You’ve in all probability heard of microdermabrasion. I’s that old-school exfoliating remedy the place they mainly sand your face all the way down to make it smoother. And now there’s hydrodermabrasion, which appears like the identical factor however extra hydrating… proper? Not precisely. They’re completely totally different therapies pretending to dwell in the identical class. One blasts your face with grit, the opposite with serum-soaked suction. Identical objective, utterly totally different vibes. So, within the debate between hydrodermabrasion vs microdermabrasion, which one is the best choice for you?
Which one’s going to depart you glowing, and which one’s going to depart you purple, uncooked, and questioning why you paid for the privilege? That’s what we’re stepping into. Actual science, actual outcomes, not one of the fluffy advertising and marketing BS. Let’s get into the precise distinction between microdermabrasion and hydrodermabrasion – and which pores and skin remedy is definitely value reserving.
What Even Is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is mainly the OG exfoliating remedy individuals used to get after they needed their pores and skin to look “refreshed,” aka blasted uncooked and purple and smooth-ish after a number of rounds. The microdermabrasion machine both scrapes your face with a crusty diamond-tipped wand (diamond microdermabrasion) or shoots out tiny crystals at excessive velocity (crystal microdermabrasion), then vacuums the entire mess up like a bit industrial hoover to your pores.
It doesn’t go deep. It simply shaves off the highest layer of the pores and skin: the boring, tough bit that’s stuffed with outdated cells, leftover product, and all of the crap that makes your pores and skin look meh. And yeah, that provides you radiant pores and skin and reduces the looks of nice strains. However you’re additionally strolling out with a tomato-red face that feels prefer it’s been exfoliated with sandpaper and 0 chill. In case your pores and skin’s powerful and greasy and simply usually unfazed by something, you’ll in all probability find it irresistible. In case your barrier is already on its final nerve? A microdermabrasion remedy will straight-up slap it.
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So Then, What’s Hydrodermabrasion?
Hydrodermabrasion is the model somebody invented after they realised not everybody needs to get their face sanded down like a espresso desk. It makes use of water (okay, technically pressurised serum with a delicate suction) to exfoliate your pores and skin with out wrecking it within the course of. No grit. No scraping. No trauma. It lifts off the lifeless pores and skin and shoves hydration and actives again in on the similar time.
It’s the form of factor that truly feels good. You lie there whereas this vacuum-pen factor glides throughout your face, sucking out gunk and pumping in hyaluronic acid or salicylic acid or no matter your pores and skin’s screaming for. It’s mild, it’s quick, and your pores and skin leaves wanting such as you simply obtained 10 hours of sleep and drank water for as soon as in your life. Should you’ve heard of a Hydrafacial remedy, that’s simply the name-brand model of it. Identical remedy, fancier branding, larger price ticket. However whether or not you get the branded one or not, hydrodermabrasion is for individuals who need glow, not grit.
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Hydrodermabrasion VS Microdermabrasion Advantages
MICRODERMABRASION
Microdermabrasion is the one which goes exhausting. In case your pores and skin’s feeling like sandpaper or wanting such as you’ve been residing below fluorescent lighting for six months straight, this will help. It scrapes off all of the boring, lifeless pores and skin cells sitting on high of your pores and skin’s floor and provides your face that “Oh hey, my pores and skin’s truly alive below right here” second. It can help fade dark spots, smooth out skin texture, and make your skincare cease sitting in your face like a movie and truly go in and do one thing. You gained’t get in a single day miracles, however you’ll get fresher-looking pores and skin after a number of rounds – particularly if you happen to’ve obtained solar injury or outdated zits scars that simply gained’t budge.
HYDRODERMABRASION
Hydrodermabrasion, however, is for when your pores and skin is simply drained. Not dangerous, not damaged – simply meh. It’s the form of non-invasive remedy that provides your face an instantaneous pick-me-up: plumper, glowier, extra hydrated, and method much less indignant. It pulls out the crap clogging your pores whereas pushing in substances that truly calm your pores and skin down. It doesn’t assault, it simply… helps. Consider it as your pores and skin’s model of a inexperienced juice and nap. It gained’t resurface years of solar injury, however it is going to make you look extra alive in below an hour. Yet one more factor: studies show that “a series of six HydraFacial Clarifying Treatments improves overall skin appearance in patients with active acne.”
So yeah, microdermabrasion strips, hydrodermabrasion feeds. One is tough and difficult and goes in swinging. The opposite exhibits up with snacks and a weighted blanket. Select your fighter.
Do They Increase Collagen Manufacturing?
Microdermabrasion? Sure, barely. It scrapes off the top outer layer of skin, and your body reacts by repairing it. That restore features a little bit of collagen, however we’re speaking small quantities. It’s not deep sufficient to rebuild something main. You’re not getting firmer pores and skin in a single day. Should you do it often, it’d assist with nice strains, however provided that your pores and skin isn’t already worn out from different therapies.
Hydrodermabrasion? No. It doesn’t injury the pores and skin, so there’s nothing to your physique to restore. No restore = no collagen. It makes your pores and skin look higher on the floor (hydrated, clearer, brighter) but it surely’s not constructing something beneath.
Hydrodermabrasion VS Microdermabrasion Aspect Results
Right here’s the place most locations attempt to gloss over the fact, however you’re not right here for spa brochure language.
MICRODERMABRASION SIDE EFFECTS
- Redness proper after (count on it to final a number of hours)
- Pores and skin can really feel uncooked, tight, or overexposed
- May set off breakouts in case your barrier’s compromised
- Not good for rosacea, eczema, or anybody utilizing sturdy actives
- Could cause tiny scratches if accomplished too aggressively or too usually
HYDRODERMABRASION SIDE EFFECTS
- Virtually none, perhaps minor redness you probably have tremendous reactive pores and skin
- Slight breakout if numerous congestion is being cleared out, however nothing main
- Uncommon for pores and skin to really feel irritated until you’ve obtained open wounds or infections
In case your pores and skin barrier is stable and also you desire a deep exfoliation, microdermabrasion may be definitely worth the redness. In case your barrier is iffy, otherwise you’ve already obtained dryness, delicate pores and skin, or energetic breakouts, hydrodermabrasion is the protected wager.
How Lengthy Do Outcomes Final?
MICRODERMABRASION RESULTS
Individuals prefer it since you see fast outcomes. You’ll normally discover smoother pores and skin straight away, and make-up goes on like butter. However the deeper stuff (like pigmentation and texture) takes a number of periods. Outcomes final round 2 to 4 weeks relying in your pores and skin kind, routine, and whether or not you retain up with SPF (please do).
HYDRODERMABRASION RESULTS
You’ll go away glowing. Like, “did you simply drink eight glasses of water?” glowing. That juicy, hydrated pores and skin look lasts for a few week or two. It doesn’t change deep scarring or hyperpigmentation dramatically, but it surely retains your pores and skin wanting persistently good, particularly if you happen to go often.
How Lengthy Does Every Remedy Take?
Microdermabrasion is fast and efficient remedy: about 30 to 45 minutes tops. It’s normally accomplished in a number of passes and doesn’t contain a lot pampering.
Hydrodermabrasion is extra of an expertise. You’re 45 to 60 minutes, typically longer in the event that they do masks or LED afterward. It feels extra like a full facial with tech concerned. You would even get it accomplished in your lunch break.
How A lot Do These Skincare Therapies Price?
MICRODERMABRASION
UK: £60 to £100 per session
US: $75 to $150 relying on location
Normally bought in packages of 4-6 since you’ll want a number of for greatest outcomes.
HYDRODERMABRASION (OR HYDRAFACIAL-STYLE)
UK: £90 to £180 per session
US: $150 to $300 relying on the machine and the extras
Generally you will get “gentle” variations for cheaper (shorter time, fewer steps).
Hydrodermabrasion therapies are dearer, however you’re paying for the additional serums, suction tech, and hydration enhance. Microderm is extra inexpensive per session, however if you happen to want 6 facial therapies to see actual outcomes, the prices stage out.
Hydrodermabrasion VS Microdermabrasion: Which One Ought to You Select?
This relies solely in your pores and skin kind, what your pores and skin’s been by means of these days, and what your objectives are.
Go for microdermabrasion if:
- Your pores and skin is thick, oily, or congested
- You’ve obtained solar injury, tough patches, or delicate zits scars
- You possibly can tolerate intense exfoliation and don’t thoughts some redness
- You’re not utilizing sturdy actives (like retinoids or AHAs) proper now
- Higher for acne-prone pores and skin and oily pores and skin
Go for hydrodermabrasion if:
- Your pores and skin is delicate, reactive, or simply drained
- You need that “glass pores and skin” glow and a brighter complexion with none restoration time
- You’re breaking out or utilizing sturdy skincare (like tretinoin)
- You need one thing you are able to do often with out wrecking your barrier
Neither one is “higher.” It’s like evaluating a deep-clean scrub to a nourishing spa remedy: they each have their place. Should you’re unsure, begin with hydrodermabrasion. It’s decrease threat, and nonetheless offers that contemporary, wholesome pores and skin look.
The Backside Line
In terms of hydrodermabrasion vs microdermabrasion, the important thing variations are how they exfoliate and the way your pores and skin feels afterward. Microderm is the gritty, powerful love possibility. Hydroderm is the gentle-but-effective glow-up and the most effective remedy for dry pores and skin. One strips. One soaks. And relying on the place your pores and skin’s at, both one might be the transfer.
If you wish to play it protected and nonetheless appear like you drink your water and sleep 8 hours? Hydrodermabrasion is a wonderful selection. In case your pores and skin can take a bit abuse and also you desire a severe texture reset? Go for microderm, however perhaps begin on a Friday whenever you don’t have plans. And it doesn’t matter what you select, put on SPF. Each rattling day. You simply buffed your face. Don’t fry it after.
About Gio
Hello, I am Gio. I am a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is pores and skin coach and author on a mission that can assist you obtain your greatest pores and skin day ever – on daily basis. I bust skincare myths and debunk advertising and marketing jargon that can assist you determine what’s definitely worth the splurge and what’s greatest left on the shelf – utilizing science, not hype. I additionally supply skincare consultations that can assist you create the most effective skincare routine to your distinctive wants.
